Proof of concept sol-gel process: ASOF deliverable D2.1

Gregory Leinders, Christian Schreinemachers, Rémi Delville, Marc Verwerft

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Work package 2 of the ASOF project groups together the activities related to research and development of conversion routes to produce target materials which contain (minor) actinide elements in a chemical and physical form suitable for transmutation. Microsphere production via the so-called internal gelation (IG) method (i.e. a sol-gel processes in which the conversion is achieved through heat-induced activation of a gel-forming agent) is being considered for a number of reasons: (1) To avoid handling of fine powders (dust formation), (2) to facilitate automation in dedicated environments (shielded glove boxes and hot cells), (3) its suitability to produce a product which contains a mixture of homogeneously dispersed actinide elements, (4) tailoring of microsphere size and porosity possible. It has been demonstrated in the past that U/Pu oxide (MOX) particles, as well as U/Pu nitride particles can be prepared via internal gelation. The present report describes the proof-of-concept studies in which uranium as matrix element, and lanthanides (Ce, Nd) as simulants for other actinide elements (Pu and Am, respectively) are being investigated.
    Original languageEnglish
    PublisherSCK CEN
    Number of pages31
    StateIn preparation - 13 Dec 2019

    Publication series

    NameSCK•CEN Reports
    PublisherBelgian Nuclear Research Center
    No.ER-0604

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